Jenna Nelson Patton

Jenna Nelson Patton – Editor

14+ years experience in developmental and copy editing. Specialties in mind/body/spirit, cookbooks, and wellness. I am easy to work with!

Overview

Hello! I develop projects that help readers unlock their inner strength, set intentions, and invite healing. I edit food and cookbook manuscripts of all kinds—from Texas barbecue to cannabis cocktails to vegan baking. I also specialize in projects that inspire readers to explore the natural world. I enjoy working with authors who help their readers make lifestyle changes and reach new goals.


What you can expect: I help you take your manuscript where you want it to go. For some authors that means Big Picture suggestions, and for others it means line-by-line teeny tiny details. I keep my schedule flexible so that when we work together you know my full attention is on your work. My turnaround times are reliable, and my aim is to make the editing process tailored to you.


Please feel free to reach out and tell me about your project. I am happy to answer questions, and I can send you a sample edit with my offer to give you a good sense of what working with me is like.


Services
Non-Fiction
Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Health & Wellbeing Nature New Age Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sports & Outdoors
Fiction
Short Story Women's Fiction
Languages
English (CAN) English (US)
Certifications
  • PhD, Emory University
  • MA, Universite de Montreal
  • BA, University of Pittsburgh
  • Editing Certificate, University of Chicago
  • Copyediting Certificate, UC–San Diego
  • Plain Language Certificate, Simon Fraser University
  • Indexing, UC–Berkeley
  • Developmental Editing, Author-Editor Clinic

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2009 — Present

My portfolio on Reedsy includes a small sample of the 100s of projects I have been a part of. Publishers and authors hire me to develop books that inspire readers to be creative, make lifestyle changes, and reach new goals. I have worked with award-winning authors (IACP & James Beard), celebrity chefs, and *many* successful first-time authors who have a passion for sharing their work. I like being a part of the team that turns a manuscript into a finished book. I learn something new from every project, and it seems like there is always a new trend or ingredient to keep things interesting. I truly enjoy helping authors set their readers up for success.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
How to Start Running (And Enjoy It)

Casson, Sarah Austin

Copy Editing
Avoid the vet by learning how to treat your pup's symptoms and know that a better diet means a healthier, happier dog. Is your pup fighting to feel better? Your dog's skin problems, ear infect... read more
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
No Meat Athlete is the plant-based guide you need to perform at your very best, from starting block to finish line.No Meat Athlete combines proven training plans, easy yet innovative recipes, ... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Naz Deravian lays out the multi-hued canvas of a Persian meal, with 100+ recipes adapted to an American home kitchen and interspersed with Naz's celebrated essays exploring the idea of home.
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
From the authors of the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day series comes a holiday and celebration cookbook that uses the same groundbreaking quick and easy baking method.Zoë François and Jeff... read more
Proofreading
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Top Chef finalist and seasoned restauranteur Shirley Chung brings new energy to traditional Chinese cuisine, transforming familiar staples into exciting, modern dishes. Born in Beijing, Shirle... read more
Copy Editing
If you want to grow healthy vegetables at home, but have hesitated because it seems too hard and time consuming, Organic Gardening for Everyone is your perfect hands-on guide—an “if I can do i... read more
Copy Editing
Create your own cannabis infused cocktails!Combining cannabis and cocktails is a hot new trend, and Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails & Tonics shows you how. Featuring a collection of 75 recipes o... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing

Jenna has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Sarah C.

Sarah C.

Jan, 2024

Working with Jenna was a delight. She gave great edits and communicated clearly. I'll definitely be reaching out to Jenna for future projects. I'm so glad I worked with Jenna!
Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Dec, 2023

A Transformative Experience with an Exceptional Developmental Editor! I recently had the privilege of working with Jenna as my developmental editor for my first-ever writing project, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, Jenna demonstrated unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of my manuscript. Jenna pos...
Read more
Alyssa C.

Alyssa C.

May, 2017

Jenna was a complete pleasure to work with. She gave me exactly what I wanted and worked very quickly with my timeline. She was professional, friendly, and highly efficient. But what I appreciated most about working with Jenna was her constant communication. I always knew exactly where we were in the process. Thanks for the great experience Jenna!

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